Armstrongism: The doctrines and religious movement originating with
Herbert W. Armstrong (1892-1986), who founded the Worldwide Church of God
(WCG). Armstrong rejected such essential doctrines of evangelical
Christianity as the Trinity, the full deity of Jesus Christ, and the
personality of the Holy Spirit. Armstrong taught British Israelism and
believed that worthy humans could eventually “become God as God is God.”
Teaches salvation by works predicated on Sabbatarianism, tithing (20-30%),
and keeping the Old Testament feast days and dietary laws. Under the
leadership of Armstrong’s successors, Joseph W. Tkach and his son Joe
Tkach, the WCG has undergone a radical doctrinal transformation. Scores of
splinter groups, such as the Global Church of God and the United Church of
God, continue to teach various forms of Armstrongism. back to the top

Buddhism: World religion based on the spiritual teachings of
Siddhartha Gautama Buddha. There are a number of versions or sects of
Buddhism generally teaching paths to Nirvana (enlightenment or bliss)
though the four noble truths (recognizing existence and source of
suffering) and the eightfold path (correct understanding, behavior and
meditation). Some variations of Buddhism include traditional Theravada
schools of India, Mahayana Buddhism, which became very popular in China
and Japan, and Tibetan Buddhism (Lamaism) in Tibet. Two more recent forms
that have had great influence in America are Zen and Nichiren Shoshu
Buddhism. back to the top

Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, Boston, MA: Officially called
Church of Christ, Scientist. Eddy’s teaching heavily indebted to Phineas
P. Quimby, a mesmerist. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures
functions as a virtual second canon of Scripture. Views God as infinite
Mind, “the animating divine Principle of all that is real and good.”
Matter is unreal; thus, so are sickness and death, which are overcome by
believing that we are Mind. Seeking medical help is discouraged,
frequently resulting in preventable deaths. Christ is “the divine
manifestation of God” most fully seen in Jesus, who only seemed to die.
The “Holy Ghost” is Divine Science, that is, Christian Science. The
orthodox doctrine of the Trinity is rejected as polytheistic. Many New Age
ideas have historical roots in Christian Science and related Mind Science
groups. back to the topChristian Science - Christian or Cult?

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Mormons, Joseph
Smith, Salt Lake City, UT: (Latter-day Saints, LDS, Mormonism) Main body
of Mormonism; recognizes Brigham Young as Smith’s successor. Smith claimed
that the Father and Son appeared to him and called him to restore the true
Church. LDS Church teaches that God the Father was once a man and was
exalted to Godhood. God (and his heavenly Wife) begat billions of spirit
children, the firstborn of whom was Jesus. Lucifer was the leader of God’s
rebellious spirit children. Those spirits who did not rebel become human
beings in order to begin process potentially leading to exaltation to
Godhood. Jesus, however, became a God while only a spirit. He organized
our world and is Jehovah, the God of Israel. He is a separate and
subordinate God to Elohim, the Father. A distinction is made between the
Holy Ghost, who is a personage of Spirit, and the Holy Spirit. The latter
is a divine energy, force, or spiritual essence that fills the universe
and is used by all three members of the Godhead in the exercise and
accomplishment of their will. The Church rejects the orthodox doctrine of
the Trinity. It also redefines salvation by grace to refer simply to
resurrection. Almost all humans will be resurrected into one of three
kingdoms of glory, the least of which is far superior to anything known in
this life. Entry into the higher kingdoms, and one’s rank there, depends
not only upon the atonement of Christ, but also upon one’s good works.
Achievement of the highest potential within the highest
kingdom—Godhood—requires complete “obedience to all the laws and
ordinances of the gospel.” The Bible, Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great
Price, and Doctrine and Covenants are all considered scripture.
Publishes Church News and
Ensign magazine.
back to the topMormonism articles

Church of Scientology, L. Ron Hubbard: Humans are immortal spiritual
beings whose experience extends beyond a single lifetime (reincarnation),
and whose capabilities are unlimited, though presently imprisoned by
matter, energy, space, and time (MEST). Salvation is the recovery of
spiritual freedom, ability, independence and serenity, including freedom
from the endless cycle of birth and death (reincarnation), and full
awareness and ability independent of the body, i.e., being “able to
control matter, energy, space, and time.” These god-like powers are
achieved through auditing, a process whereby “engrams,” (the mental
recordings of past moments of pain and unconsciousness), and other
barriers to such states are removed, abilities are regained, and greater
awareness achieved. Auditing can last for years and may cost hundreds of
thousands of dollars. Teachings are also advanced through affiliated
business management companies such as Sterling Management Systems, the
drug prevention program Narcanon, and in public schools though Way to
Happiness. The writings and recorded spoken words of L. Ron Hubbard
(contained in over 500,000 pages of writings and over 2,000 tape-recorded
public lectures) constitute the scripture of the religion, his book
Dianetics, the Modern Science of Mental Health being foundational.
Scientology publishes several magazines including
Advance, High Winds,
and Source; also several newspapers and newsletters including
The Auditor, Tech News, KSW News and the
FSM Newsletter.
Scientology has a history of alleged abuse and illegal activities, and is
fighting legal battles in countries all over the world.
back to the top

Feng
Shui: A religious “science” for the balancing of Yin and Yang in the
environment, discovered or originated by farmers some 3,000 years ago and
developed within Taoism. Feng Shui teaches that there is an energy called
Qi (or, Chi) flowing throughout the universe, and in this
world through lines, sometimes called channels or meridians, to which one
must be properly aligned for optimal health, fortune, and quality of life.
The position and alignment of structures and objects in one’s environment
affects the flow of this energy and one’s own ability to harmonize with
nature. Practitioners therefore arrange household and office furniture,
design rooms and even whole buildings, their grounds and gardens, etc., to
properly align with the flow lines of earth’s energy. They thus hope to
improve the balance of nature around them, not only for their own benefit,
but for the benefit everyone in the area. back
to the top

Freemasonry: A fraternal order revived in the early 18th century in
England, loosely based on associations or guilds of stone cutters
(“operative” masons). Freemasonry (“speculative” masons) sought to give
philosophical, moral, or spiritual meaning to the lodge, tools, and oaths
of the stone cutters. Branches of Freemasonry include the Blue Lodge, York
Rite, Scottish Rite, and Shriners. Affiliated organizations include the
Order of the Eastern Star (for women), the Order of DeMolay (for boys),
and the Order of Rainbow (for girls). Most modern adherents maintain that
the organization is not a religion but a club or fraternity promoting high
moral values and good works. They believe, therefore, that Freemasonry is
compatible with and supplements Christianity and other religions. Critics
counter that Freemasonry involves secret blood oaths or curses, and that
the writings of respected early leaders (Albert Mackey, Albert Pike, etc.)
are replete with occult philosophy and religious doctrine contrary to
Christianity. Despite Freemasonry’s promotion and funding of a number of
worthwhile, philanthropic endeavors (free Shriner children hospitals,
nursing homes, etc.), many Christian individuals and churches have
condemned Freemasonry or warned of elements that they believe are contrary
to Christianity. These churches include the Presbyterian Church of
America, Southern Baptist Convention, Episcopal Church, Christian Reformed
Church, Church of the Nazarene, and Lutheran Church (Missouri and
Wisconsin Synods). back to the top

Gnosticism: From the Greek word
gnosis (knowledge). Salvation
comes through secret knowledge. A diverse belief influenced by Greek
philosophy and similar to forms of pantheism, Gnosticism generally taught
that matter was evil and spirit was good. Forms of Gnosticism affected
early Christianity. One Gnostic heresy taught that because matter was
evil, Jesus could not have come in the flesh. Many New Agers regard
Gnostic Christianity as the more enlightened form of Christianity.
back to the top

Hinduism: The major world religion that originated from the ancient
religions of India, which originally embraced polytheism. As a more
unified world religion, Hinduism teaches pantheism; the ancient gods
(especially the triad of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva) are commonly
interpreted as representations of the various aspects of the divine
(Brahman). Human beings progress to the ultimate realization of their
oneness with Brahman (often called Nirvana) through reincarnation
according to the law of karma. Some of the concepts of Hinduism are
incorporated, modified, and expanded upon in the New Age Movement.

Islam, Muhammad: Based on the teachings and life of Muhammad (570-632
AD) in Mecca and Medina, Saudi Arabia (then Persia). Islam is the second
largest world religion, and has recently become the third largest
religious body in America with over 6 million adherents. Muslim-based
sects such as the Nation of Islam (which appeals especially to
African-Americans) and Bahá’í (which proclaims the unity of the human
race) have special appeal to many Americans. Islam is composed of two
major divisions — the mainstream Sunni (the largest) and the more radical
Shi’ites. The mystical tradition of Sufism includes many Sunnis and some
Shi’ites. The Arabic word Islam means “submission to the will of
God” and a person who submits is called a Muslim. The Qur’an (or, Koran),
the Torah, the Psalms of the Old Testament, and the Gospel of the New
Testament are regarded as holy books. However, only the Qur’an is
considered uncorrupted. Islam rejects the Trinity doctrine, the deity of
Christ and His Sonship, claiming that Jesus was only a great prophet.
Muhammad is considered to be the greatest prophet, whose coming was
allegedly predicted by Christ. Islam adheres fiercely to monotheism. In
addition to good works, salvation is sought though observance of the Five
Pillars: reciting “there is no God but Allah and Muhammad is His
Messenger,” praying five times per day, fasting, giving alms (donations to
the poor), and a pilgrimage to Mecca. Historically, Islam experienced
tremendous growth often by forced proselytism — unbelievers (infidels)
were offered conversion or death. While many Muslims exhibit tolerance
towards other faiths, even today Islamic fundamentalism promotes
jihad
(holy war), against those of other religious and political views.
back to the top

Local Church, The, Watchman Nee, Anaheim, CA: Controversial movement
begun in China in the early 1920s by Ni To-sheng (Watchman Nee). Growth
and controversy developed during the administration of their second
leader, the late Witness Lee, who moved to America in 1962 founding Living
Stream Ministry. Among issues drawing criticism from evangelical
Christians is the Local Church's use of the term “mingling” to describe
the relationship between God and believers (i.e., Christians become both
divine and human like Jesus). Some evangelicals have also charged that the
church compromises the Trinity doctrine by confusing the Persons of the
Holy Spirit and the Son in a way similar to modalism. The organization's
exclusivity has also come under fire. According to Lee, each city can and
should have only one church. Denominationalism is seen as of the Devil.
According to critics, the effect is that Lee-led local churches, usually
called by the name of their cities (e.g., the Church in Anaheim or the
Church in Chicago), become the only true expressions of the Body of
Christ. Thus, according to former members, all other churches or
denominations are seen as being outside the will of God or not true
churches at all. The Local Church has also gained a reputation for
threatening legal action to prevent unfavorable public evaluation of its
movement. Even Christian critics have been targeted, adding to the
evidence that they do not consider believers outside their movement to be
true or obedient Christians (1 Corinthians 6:1–8). back to the top

Roman Catholicism: Diverse worldwide religious tradition that
officially looks to the Pope and his predecessors/successors as God’s
human leader of world Christianity. Because of its size and scope—both in
membership (about a billion people worldwide) and geographically, the
actual beliefs held by devout Catholics are widespread and eclectic.
Catholicism has been influenced by liberation theology, especially in
parts of South America. In Africa, the Caribbean, and elsewhere, attempts
have been made to blend Catholicism with spiritism, creating a type of
Catholicism with occult elements. In addition, since the 1960s there has
been a small but significant element of charismatic Catholics who have
been influenced by the larger charismatic movement. A small percentage of
Catholics are doctrinally evangelical, and others (such as Matthew Fox)
are part of the New Age movement. As a whole, however, the differences
between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism are still seen most clearly in
the issues of the Reformation. The 16th century reformers distinguished
themselves from Catholicism in two key ways. First, they saw the Bible as
the sole foundation for authority (sola scriptura) rather than the
Pope, church dogma or tradition. Second, the reformers taught salvation by
“grace alone” (sola gracia). They also insisted that
sola gracia
could be faithfully maintained only by understanding the gospel to be the
message of a free pardon and righteous standing with God through “faith
alone” (sola fide) in the imputed righteousness of Christ. The
Roman Catholic Church claimed (and still claims) to affirm
sola gracia,
but anathematized sola fide, teaching instead that grace is received and
maintained by a combination of faith plus works (religious rites,
sacraments, or human endeavor). back to the top

Satanism: Represented by two separate groups, secular and traditional
Satanists. The secularists do not believe in in a literal, personal,
spiritual being called Satan, but rather consider Satan to be an archetype
or symbol that represents the ideas of Satanic philosophy. Various satanic
ideals include self-interest, indulgence, an anti-herd mentality, and an
emphasis upon rational self-interest. Examples of modern Satanism include
The Church of Satan founded by Anton LaVey and now led by Peter Gilmore as
High Priest, Michael Aquino's Temple of Set, and Lord Egan's First Church
of Satan. Traditional Satanism, which involves the worship of the Satan of
the Bible through a perversion and parody of Roman Catholicism, appeared
in the fifteenth century coming out of the Inquisition. Contemporary
expressions of traditional Satanism are rare, and popular elements of it,
including the testimonies of alleged former Satanists and Satanic Ritual
Abuse have been discredited.

Unification Church, Sun Myung Moon, New York, NY: Full name, Holy
Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity. Jesus
brought only spiritual salvation; another “savior” is needed to fulfill
Jesus’ mission. Moon is that Messiah (or Christ) and “Lord of the Second
Advent.” This group has over 200 front organizations. Moon’s Divine
Principle is scripture. back to the top

Unitarianism:
Generically, the rejection of the doctrine of the Trinity in favor of the
idea that God is exclusively one person. Unlike monarchianism or modalism,
which view Jesus as a manifestation of the unipersonal God, or
subordinationism, which views Jesus as a secondary divine being (e.g., the
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society), Unitarianism views Jesus as a mere
human being. Specifically, the term refers to the Unitarian movement that
originated in late 18th-century New England and to the denominational body
that merged with the Universalists in the 20th century to form the
Unitarian-Universalist Association

Watchtower
Bible and Tract Society, Charles Taze Russell, Brooklyn, NY: Satan is
the originator of the idea of the Trinity. The Father is the supreme God
whose real name is Jehovah. Jesus is a created being known originally as
Michael the Archangel; he is “a god,” not Jehovah. Jesus only rose
spiritually, not bodily, from the dead. The Holy Spirit is the impersonal
active force of God. Only the anointed class (or little flock) numbering
144,000 will go to heaven, while faithful “other sheep” will live
eternally on a paradise earth; the lost will cease to exist (annihilationism).
Publishes the Watchtower and
Awake! magazines, the
New
World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (their own version of the
Bible), as well as numerous books. Originally called International Bible
Students, followers today are called Jehovah’s Witnesses.
back to the top

Word-Faith
Movement: A movement based in large part on the teachings of E. W.
Kenyon (1867-1948) that became a distinct movement under the teaching and
leadership of Kenneth Hagin, a Pentecostal faith-healing evangelist. God
himself is said to have created the world and to do all that he does by
speaking words of faith. Man’s creation in God’s image is commonly
understood to mean that human beings are “little gods” capable of speaking
creative words of faith. The fall of Adam into sin is interpreted as
having transformed Adam (and all unredeemed people) into Satan’s nature
and as having transferred Adam’s godhood or dominion on earth to Satan.
Jesus is believed to have become man in order to restore human beings to
godhood as renewed “incarnations” of God. He is said to have done this by
dying spiritually as well as physically on the cross, suffering in hell,
and then while in hell becoming the first person to be “born again,”
before finally being raised from the dead. Those who believe in Jesus are
supposedly empowered to speak words of faith again, especially in order to
obtain bodily health and financial prosperity (both of which are
supposedly guaranteed as present possessions in the Atonement). . In
contrast, traditional Christian theology teaches that God and God alone
can bring about whatever he chooses; that man was created to reflect God’s
character and to implement his will, not to be little gods; that man is
fallen but not Satanic in nature; that God is still in control of this
world; that Jesus Christ alone is God incarnate; that Jesus died
physically, not spiritually, to redeem us; that Jesus therefore was not
born again; and that health and prosperity are promised to believers in
the future resurrection. In the meantime God heals and prospers people
providentially and miraculously when and as he sees fit. Most of the
followers of the Word-Faith teachers are Pentecostals and other
evangelical Christians. back to the top

We do pray this article will help you to
more easily recognize the cults that are so prevalent in our society
today. May the Peace of God be with you.